China has donated 70 SUVs to the Ugandan government to be used to chaufer VIPs during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 (G77) + China Summits set for January next year.
State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru who received the vehicle on behalf of government hailed China for always being available to assist Uganda in all ways.
“The beauty we attach to you is that when we partner and do things like this, you don’t give us outrageous conditions. Some people would have loved to give us this but would have dictated us to even change our culture, the way we behave and so many things. We thank you for respecting our values as we respect yours,” Ecweru said.
““Our collaboration will even become stronger now. A lot is expected of us and you in partnerships we are to undertake in the years to come.”
The Chinese ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong China attaches so much importance to its friendship with Uganda and will always be available for support.
“These vehicles will enable Uganda successfully host the G77 and NAM summits. China supports Uganda to continuously play its role in regional and international affairs. The handover of these vehicles is an example of China’s unwavering support to Uganda,” Lizhong said.
“I believe the summits will be great events for developing countries to enhance solidarity and achieve development together. I also firmly believe that they will help increase the influence of Uganda in international affairs.”
The 70 vehicles will be added onto the 70 donated to Uganda in 2021 by the Chinese government for the preparation of the G77 Summit which was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire said government is set to procure another 30 vehicles that will arrive in the country later this month to make it a fleet of 170 vehicles to chauffeur VIPs during the two summits scheduled for next month.
